hydrozyzine research

[icbop]

Does anyone know of any research that supports using hydroxyzine for IC? I recently read that it was no better than placebo for IC. I'm wondering why, if that is really the case, it is still prescribed so much. I recently started it and don't like the side effects. They will be worth it though if there is truly hope that it will help.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[vm]

Not having that study in front of me I DO remember that a big criticism of that study was the very low numbers of patients actually enrolled in it. Since it was a small number many in the IC community (including doctors) felt that the results might not be that reliable.

I'm not aware of any other research, but that doesn't mean it may not be out there. Someone else may be able to provide you with some info. :)

[icbop]

Thanks for the post. I am continuing with this. I am in a bad flare (at least I hope it's a flare and not just the IC getting worse). I am continuing with this med and hope I get relief from it!

[sami4a]

There was another study I read today titled: IC Update for Clinicians by Dr. John Warren in which he said one study showed 31% improvement and another showed no better than placebo.
I think one should keep in mind that each individual case of IC seems to have its own unique triggers. If your IC seems to be mast cell sensitive then this drug would help you more than someone who had no allergies to anything.
Also, Dr. T thinks it is more effective when used with Elmiron which none of the studies addressed.
Sammie

[tigger_gal]

I have been taking it for 3 years.. when I don' take it my bladder knows it..
I take 75 mg before I go to bed. My ueo told me to take t at bed time because it makes me drowsy. I started at 25mg and worked my way up to 75mg.

[Tabbi]

My urologist said she prescribes it when flares seem to relate to seasonal allergy time. Mine probably do. I first "got" IC in July 2005, and it flared up again in June/July 2006. She suggested I try hydroxyzine during allergy season, and I can skip it in the winter if I want to. I'll try it again in the spring before the seasonal allergies start to see if it keeps the summer symptoms from being worse. On the plus side, I have less trouble falling asleep and stay asleep more. On the negative side, it's really hard to get up in the morning. So I don't take it if I have to be up really early. But on the days I skip, there seems to be a rebound effect and my regular allergies bother me a little more.

[icbop]

Thanks everyone for the add'l posts.

I also first "got" IC in July 2005, and it went into remission after elmiron in about December. I then got pregnany, and did not get it last July. This July it came back despite elmiron. I don't have other major allergies though.

At any rate, I'm sticking to it. Only 10 mg right now. I can't tolerate more yet and wake up for work.

I'm lucky, I guess, in that I don't have frequency. My only symptom is urethral burning/pain. If I could figure out a way to not pee, it would get better. It never hurts first thing in the morning. About 3 minutes after the first pee--there it is!

[sami4a]

I found Elavil to be really be helpful with the burning, stinging urethral pain. If you havent tried it, you might and see if it helps you?
One of the other posters said hydroxazine helped her a lot with nocturia which is also a problem for a lot of us.
Sammie

[mela414]

I tried it once before and didn't like the side effects. I am considering trying it again because of all the allergy problems that I have. Right now I am taking Benadryl at night and I thought it was helping. It took me a while to get used to that but if the hydroxyzine is more suitable I might give it another try....after this UTI gets better.

[4kidzmom]

If anybody has info, i'd be interested in reading this study on hydroxyzine. I've been told that it, combined w/ elmiron are effective and I do take it, but sometimes I wonder...